Air Puff Tonometer

Dr. Pooja Desai

Optometrist

Fort Erie, ON

Air Puff Tonometer

Noncontact (or air-puff) tonometry does not touch your eye but uses a puff of air to flatten your cornea. This type of tonometry is not the best way to measure intraocular pressure. But it is often used as a simple way to check for high IOP and is the easiest way to test children.
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What is an Air Puff Tonometer <p>David Mitchell, OD, discusses What is an Air Puff Tonometer</p>

David Mitchell, OD, discusses What is an Air Puff Tonometer

What is a Air Puff Tonometer

The air puff tonometer is an instrument used to measure the internal pressure of the eye by exerting an external force on the eye.

When the patient sits at the front end of the instrument a puff of air hits the eye, doesn't hurt but it is a little bit startling, and a printout is made of what the pressure is.

If the pressures are high or suspicious then further testing is done to ensure there is no glaucoma.

Presenter: Dr. David Mitchell, Optometrist, Vancouver, BC

Now Health Network Local Practitioners: Optometrist

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True/False - Quiz: Do You Understand Eye Health?

Quiz: Do You Understand Eye Health?

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

Questions

True

False

Eye exams can detect diabetes.

Explanation:

There are some common health conditions that an eye exam can detect, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a brain tumour and certain types of cancer.

Vitamins C and E might help prevent age-related vision problems like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Explanation:

There is a link between your eye health and your diet. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that may protect your eyes against damaging free radicals. Foods rich in vitamins C and E include citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds.

There is no link between exercise and eye health.

Explanation:

Exercise promotes healthy blood vessels in the eye. This may prevent an overgrowth of blood vessels and protect against conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Vision problems can lead to depression.

Explanation:

Research shows that vision loss can double your risk of experiencing depression. As people struggle with losing sight and completing everyday tasks, they may feel isolated, depressed and anxious.

Adults aged 20-39 should get an eye exam every year.

Explanation:

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommend adults aged 20-39 get an eye exam every 2-3 years. Adults aged 40-64 should have an eye exam every two years, and people over 65 each year. Children should have their first exam between six and nine months.